Three more 7-Eleven stores in Calgary to sell beer and wine in licensed dining areas

Article content

More Calgarians wishing to indulge in an adult beverage alongside a fast-food meal can thank heaven for 7-Eleven.

The convenience store chain is expanding the number of licensed restaurants operating within its locations, it said Thursday, adding three more in Calgary to an existing one in Douglasdale, which opened in December 2022.

With the new licensed facilities at 200-1035 New Brighton Dr. S.E., 7102 Elbow Dr. S.W. and 220-2505 Eversyde Ave. S.W., there are now 20 7-Eleven stores in Alberta with the ability to serve beer, wine and coolers to clients, the company said in a statement.

Article content

“We’re excited to be launching more licensed-format restaurants in Calgary which will expand our offerings and provide our adult customers with even more convenience,” said Marc Goodman, vice-president and general manager of 7-Eleven Canada.

“Fresh and prepared food and drinks are an important part of our business and we’re proud to be investing in new jobs and strengthening Alberta’s economy.”

Dine-in and take-out hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, while delivery hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. all week long.

Staff working in the licensed areas receive all necessary training relating to alcohol service, the company said, and alcohol products are secured with access allowed only for 7-Eleven employees.

The expansion of alcohol sales at 7-Eleven comes as the Alberta government has floated the idea of allowing all grocery and convenience stores to sell beer and wine.

“If people want to buy some beer, want to buy some wine and they’re of age, why make it difficult? Why not allow them to do that?” Premier Danielle Smith told Postmedia columnist Rick Bell in December 2023.

Article content

Smith said she’s handed the file over to Dale Nally, the minister responsible for red tape reduction.

Ontario recently announced it had fast-tracked the ability for convenience stores and grocers to sell beer and wine with the changeover starting this month, two years ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, Quebec food retailers have had this privilege for many decades.

Although alcohol sales are typically not allowed in Alberta convenience stores, 7-Eleven dining areas are licensed by the Alberta, Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis as restaurants.

Calgary was the site of 7-Eleven’s first foray into the Canadian market in 1969.

The convenience store chain currently operates 243 locations across Alberta, employing more than 3,000 people, it said.

Article content